Most people visit Ayia Napa in the summer, when the beaches are prepared for tourists and the sea is calm and warm. I was there in February of this year and photographed the winter beauty of the area.
The anchor in Ayia Napa town reminds us of Christian hope, which is described as an 'anchor of the soul' in the Bible:
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast... Hebrews 6:19
The hope mentioned is related to God's purpose in Christ, promised to our forefathers and fulfilled through the death and burial of the Lord Jesus. There is enough in Christ's finished work to redeem us and fit us for God's presence in Heaven. This hope should keep us anchored and stable in the storms of life.
The previous verse reminds us that it is impossible for God to lie, therefore those who have 'fled for refuge' should 'have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us' (Hebrews 6:18, CSB). The Greek word 'elpis' (hope) in this verse does not mean wishful thinking, but a joyful anticipation of what is to come! May we be firmly anchored in this hope when facing the trials of life, knowing that we will not be shipwrecked on our journey.
As the old hymn puts it:
We have an anchor that keeps the soul,
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.
More pictures of Ayia Napa Beach in April.
